長楽寺

Chourakuji is a Buddhist temple in Fukushima featuring a traditional Japanese garden with wooden structures and several buildings arranged across the grounds. Multiple halls serve different purposes, from prayer to meditation, creating distinct spaces that visitors can explore at their own pace.

The temple was established to serve as a spiritual center for the local community and has maintained this role for generations. It became an important part of Fukushima's cultural landscape, continuing to function as a place for Buddhist practice and teaching.

The name reflects a Buddhist concept of seeking happiness and longevity, values that guide how the temple is organized and used. Visitors notice this philosophy expressed through the careful layout of prayer spaces and the way the grounds encourage reflection.

The temple is accessible during daylight hours, with early morning visits offering the quietest experience. The grounds are explored on foot, and wearing comfortable shoes is recommended since paths are made of gravel and stone.

Ancient cedar trees grow throughout the grounds, having developed over centuries into towering specimens that frame the buildings. Many visitors overlook these trees, yet they create a natural framework that deepens the sense of age at this place.